As I continued to zone out, Rachel opened the small, old cupboard in my room and let out a shriek.
"These novels cost a fortune! Thalia, where did you get the money to buy Thalia Green's novels?" Rachel inquired. However, I remained lost in my own thoughts, struggling to process the bombshell she had just dropped.
"She's one of Thalia Green's top fans on social media, so she receives the novels for free," Jenna chimed in.
Thalia Greens is an internationally acclaimed author, and I adore her not only because her novels are captivating, but also because we share the same first name, whereas her last name matches with Jordan's.
The combination of our names makes me feel a deep connection to her. We used to chat frequently, and I always feel free to tell her everything. Thalia never stopped encouraging me. She even promised me that one day she would come and meet me.
I lifted my small luggage and dropped it on the bed.
"Thalia, calm down. I was just joking! I'm sure Jose still remembers that you are twenty-three, so he might not want to get intimate with you," Rachel said, closing the cupboard she had just opened. The door to my room swung open, and we all turned our heads to see Luna Rita standing there with a fake smile on her face.
"Your husband-to-be is here, and we need you to sign some documents. You have two minutes to dress up and come to the living room," Rita said, smiled again, and closed the door.
"Why is she so happy that they are marrying you off to an old man?" Jenna couldn't help but ask as soon as the door closed.
"I guess she's happy about the hundred thousand dollar cheque Jose signed for them," Rachel said.
"Rita wears fake smile all the time," I said and began to dressed up.
I sat in front of the mirror with Jenna and Rachel styling my hair. When they attempted to apply some makeup on my face, I shook my head and stood up.
"Thalia, just..."
"Jenna, no. I don't need it," I murmured, my voice laden with emotion.
As I descended the stairs in one of my finest dresses gifted to me by Rachel, my heart overflowed with emotion. Tears continued to cloud my eyes. The presence of my two friends walking beside me was my sole source of strength.
All the men in the living room turned their heads as soon as I entered. I couldn't believe Alpha Benjamin had invited some of his Alpha friends to witness the civil marriage between Thalia Damien and Jose Martins.
Alpha Benjamin gestured towards a pen and papers that lay on the table. I removed my hand from the doorknob and slowly made my way towards the table, without looking at the faces of the people in the living room.
As soon as I lifted the pen, Rachel's words echoed in my ear once more.
"Thalia, don't focus on Jose's age. Concentrate on the freedom he offers you!"
As Rachel's voice echoed in my head, I could not read the documents that I was about to sign. I just lifted the pen and began to sign the papers. When I was done, I dropped the pen, and confidently walked out, keeping my head held high as I exited the living room.
Victorious laughter, originating from Kayla and her friends filled the space and continued to reverberate in my ear.
The popping sounds of champagne and glasses filled the air as I ascended the stairs to retrieve my luggage. Jenna followed me, while Rachel joined the others in the living room - the people she arrived with.
"I'll come with you. I want to know where Jose lives so I can always come and see you. And as for Jordan, never think about him or blame him for not keeping his promise to you. You belong to different worlds, and I understand the pressure from his family that caused him to change his mind about you," Jenna said, offering her support.
Rachel wanted to help you, but your family wouldn't allow her to. Now that you're a free woman, I trust that she will assist you in establishing something for yourself. Once you earn enough money, you can divorce Jose," Jenna continued, gently wiping away my tears.
I nodded in agreement and retrieved my luggage from the bed. Together, Jenna and I left the room.
"What about your novels?" Jenna asked.
"I'll come back for them later," I replied. My phone beeped, and I paused to take it out of my bag. It was a message from Thalia. We had planned to discuss the last novel she sent me after I finished my morning chores, but I had no idea I would be getting married today.
"I'll chat with you later," I forwarded a reply and tossed the phone back into my bag.
"Now that you're free, you can ask her for her address so you can go see her in person," Jenna suggested. My heart began to race, appreciating the freedom that this union offered me.
Thalia, the famous author, has been a great friend to me. She would send me many good things, but my family would seize them and only give me the novels. I had asked Thalia to stop sending gifts since none of them, except the novels, ever reached me.
Outside the courtyard, all the members of the pack gathered, looking at the old man I had just married. The people had always been against Alpha Benjamin, his Luna, and his only daughter for the way they treated and abused me. I could see the sadness on their faces, but none of them dared to challenge the Alpha of White Fangs.
"Let me help you," Jose offered, reaching for my small luggage.
"Thank you, but the luggage isn't heavy," I declined and continued walking toward his car. Jose quickly opened the car door for me.
"Thank you," I said as I was about to enter the car when I heard Kayla's voice.
"Hey...wait, you useless and bloody human!"
"Jordan and I are getting married on the 3rd of February. I don't want to see you or your shadow anywhere near the Lunar Palace! If I catch you, I will disgrace you!" Kayla yelled angrily.
I felt disappointed as I had hoped to take the opportunity to see Jordan again. I was curious to know how he looked as an adult. He was incredibly attractive as a child, and I was sure he would be even more handsome now. I simply wanted to gaze into his eyes once more and nothing more.
"Kayla, please, I want... to see... him," I pleaded with a hushed tone.
"What? Are you crazy? Why do you want to see my fiance?!" Kayla yelled.
"He was my friend when I was in Lunar Palace," I opened up for once.
"Well, Jordan despises you now! You are not his class and he is not your friend! Jose Martins is your class and both of you will make a good couple," Kayla said pointing at Jose who stood beside me.
Kayla coughed and spat the phlegm on my eyebrow. The phlegm slowly moved down and blurred the vision in my left eye.